Karan Kumar Johar born Rahul Kumar Johar on May 25, 1972 often known by his nickname KJo, is a prominent Indian film director, producer, and television personality. He is best known for his work in Hindi cinema and has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of numerous successful actors and filmmakers under his production company, Dharma Productions. A recipient of several prestigious awards, including two National Film Awards and seven Filmfare Awards, Johar was also honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2020. Johar, the son of renowned producer Yash Johar, made his directorial debut with the romantic comedy-drama Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), which earned him the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, the Filmfare Award for Best Director, and the Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay. His subsequent films, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), were major box-office successes both in India and internationally. Johar’s 2010 social drama My Name Is Khan also achieved critical acclaim and earned him his second Filmfare Award for Best Director. As a producer, Johar has had a major impact with films like the spy thriller Raazi (2018) and the biopic Shershaah (2021), both of which won him the Filmfare Award for Best Film, with Shershaah also earning him a National Film Award for Special Jury Mention as a producer.
Karan Johar Biography 2025
In addition to filmmaking, Johar has ventured into various aspects of the entertainment industry. He has hosted the popular television talk show Koffee with Karan since 2004, as well as the dating show What the Love! and the radio show Calling Karan. He has also appeared as a judge on reality competition shows like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and India’s Got Talent. In 2020, following the tragic death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, a debate around nepotism in Bollywood gained momentum, with Johar being one of the most prominent figures targeted for allegedly promoting nepotism by favoring star children in his films. Kangana Ranaut was one of the first to accuse Johar of supporting nepotism on Koffee with Karan. Despite the backlash, many in the industry defended Johar, with a complaint filed against him and others for allegedly contributing to Rajput’s death. Johar, in response, clarified that his production house had introduced 21 debut directors, most of whom were not from the industry, and expressed that actors from film families should not be discredited for their talents.
Karan Johar Biography Details
| Born |
Rahul Kumar Johar
25 May 1972 (age 52)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
|
| Alma mater |
H.R. College of Commerce |
| Occupations |
- Film director
- producer
- television presenter
|
| Years active |
1989–present |
| Organization |
Dharma Productions |
| Children |
2 |
| Father |
Yash Johar |
| Relatives |
Chopra-Johar family |
| Awards |
Full list |
| Honours |
Padma Shri (2020) |
Karan Johar Biography Early Life
Karan Johar was born in Mumbai, India, to a Punjabi father, Yash Johar, and a Sindhi mother, Hiroo Johar. He attended Green Lawns High School and later pursued his studies at H.R. College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai. In his autobiography, An Unsuitable Boy, Johar shared that he failed to secure admission to the prestigious Doon School in Dehradun due to scoring a zero in mathematics. His early influences in filmmaking came from iconic figures such as Raj Kapoor, Yash Chopra, and Sooraj Barjatya, who shaped his love for commercial Indian cinema. Johar began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor, making his debut in the 1989 Doordarshan serial Indradhanush. He was known for initially following numerology trends in naming his films, but after watching the 2006 film Lage Raho Munna Bhai, which critiqued numerology, Johar decided to abandon this practice. In 2017, Johar became a father to twins (a boy and a girl) through surrogacy. He named his son Yash after his father, and his daughter Roohi, which is derived by rearranging his mother’s name, Hiroo.
Personal Information
| Personal Information |
Details |
| Full Name |
Karan Dharma Kama Johar |
| Real Name(s) |
Rahul Kumar Johar, Karan Kumar Johar |
| Nickname |
KJo |
| Profession(s) |
Director, Producer, Writer, TV Host |
| Date of Birth |
May 25, 1972 |
| Age (as of 2025) |
52 Years |
| Birthplace |
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Zodiac sign |
Gemini |
| Nationality |
Indian |
| Hometown |
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Religion |
Hinduism |
| Food Habit |
Non-Vegetarian |
| Signature |
Karan Johar’s Signature |
Physical Stats
| Physical Stats |
Details |
| Height |
5′ 10″ (178 cm) |
| Eye Colour |
Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour |
Black |
Education and Early Life
| Education & Early Life |
Details |
| School |
Greenlawns High School, Mumbai |
| College/University |
H.R. College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai |
| Educational Qualification |
M. A. in French |
Career Highlights
| Career |
Details |
| Directorial Debut |
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) |
| Acting Debut |
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) |
| Producer Debut |
Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) |
| TV Debut |
Indradhanush (1989) |
Notable Awards and Honors
| Awards and Honors |
Details |
| National Film Award 1999 |
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai |
| National Film Award 2023 |
Special Jury Award for Shershaah |
| Filmfare Awards 1999 |
Best Director and Best Screenplay for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai |
| IIFA Awards 2001 |
Best Costume Designer for Mohabbatein |
Controversies
| Controversy |
Details |
| Twitter Battle with RGV |
Disagreement after the release of Student of the Year in 2012 |
| AIB Roast Incident |
FIR lodged against Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, and Arjun Kapoor (2015) |
| Ajay Devgan Dispute |
Allegations regarding biased reviews by KRK in favor of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil |
| Pakistani Actors Dispute |
Supported Pakistani actors during the Uri attack controversy (2016) |
| Nepotism Controversy |
Criticized after Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide (2020) |
Family and Relationships
| Family Details |
Details |
| Parents |
Father: Late Yash Johar (Producer), Mother: Hiroo Johar |
| Siblings |
None (Only child) |
| Cousin Brothers |
Aditya Chopra, Uday Chopra |
| Children |
Son: Yash (Surrogate), Daughter: Roohi (Surrogate) |
Personal Preferences
| Personal Preferences |
Details |
| Favorite Food |
Parsi Food |
| Favorite Actor |
Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Rishi Kapoor |
| Favorite Actress |
Meryl Streep, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor |
| Favorite Film |
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge |
| Favorite Destination |
New York |
| Favorite TV Show |
The Golden Girls |
| Favorite Drink |
Saint Emilion (Wine), Dom Perignon (Pink Champagne) |
| Favorite Fashion Brand |
Givenchy |
| Favorite Perfume |
Creed |
Style and Lifestyle
| Style and Lifestyle |
Details |
| Car Collection |
Jaguar XF |
| Fashion Sense |
High-end and stylish, favoring Givenchy |
Financial Information
| Financial Information |
Details |
| Salary (Approx.) |
100 Crore + |
| Net Worth (Approx.) |
Rs 1,400 crore. |
Social Media and Public Image
| Social Media |
Details |
| Twitter |
Active |
| Instagram |
Active |
| Public Image |
Candid and often involved in controversies |
Hobbies and Interests
| Hobbies and Interests |
Details |
| Collecting Old Things |
Passion for antiques |
| Travel |
Enjoys frequent trips to New York and other international destinations |
Films Directed and Produced
| Films Directed and Produced |
Details |
| Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) |
Directed |
| Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) |
Directed |
| My Name Is Khan (2010) |
Directed |
| Raazi (2018) |
Produced |
| Shershaah (2021) |
Produced |
Awards and Recognitions
| Awards |
Details |
| 1999 Filmfare Best Director |
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai |
| 2023 National Film Award |
Special Jury Award for Shershaah |
Controversial Public Incidents
| Incident |
Details |
| AIB Roast Incident |
2015 controversy |
| Nepotism Debate |
Post Sushant Singh Rajput’s death |
| Drug Party Allegation |
2020 drug row investigation |
Karan Johar Net Worth
Karan Johar has a net worth of Rs 1,400 crore.
Karan Johar Summary
Karan Johar has solidified his position as one of India’s most influential filmmakers and television personalities. Despite being at the center of several controversies, his contributions to the Indian entertainment industry are undeniable, from directing blockbuster films to hosting one of the most popular talk shows in the country. His personal and professional journey reflects both the challenges and triumphs of a man who has become synonymous with Bollywood’s glitz and glamour.
